Wally Lake Fest is around the corner

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The Wally Lake Fest boat parade.

Tour de Towpath Bike Ride at Wally Lake Fest.

HAWLEY — The fifth Annual Wally Lake Fest will be held Aug. 22 to 24.

With brand new events and returning favorites on the itinerary, this is a summer celebration that brings people of all ages to Lake Wallenpaupack, which is the third largest lake in the state, and the surrounding Lake Region.

This is a unique part of the Pocono Mountains with no shortage of things to do including boating, fishing, swimming and parasailing on the lake as well as hiking, antiquing, dining, shopping, exploring and sight-seeing around every corner. The festival brings all of these elements together and adds even more excitement to the mix with more lake activities from a boat parade and free sailboat rides to live music right on the lake on top of a floating stage and canoe, kayak and stand up paddleboard demonstrations.

Some events require advance registration such as the Boat Parade, Tour de Towpath Bike Ride, and the Motorcycle “Ride for the Lake.”

Boat ParadeThe Boat Parade, sponsored by Davis R. Chant Realtors, allows people to get creative and decorate their boats in a variety of fun themes and styles. The parade takes place on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. with a rain date of Sunday, Aug. 24. Participants enter their boat to win prizes for “best dressed.” The first prize winner receives $1,000. Trophies and prizes are also given to first, second and third place winners.

Registration is free and anyone interested in entering should call the Chant office at 570-226-4518. Spectators can watch these decked out boats as they parade around the lake. The parade route is mapped out in the Wally Lake Fest brochure. It starts at Sunny Point Cove and ends in front of the judge’s platform at the Tafton Dike. Viewers are encouraged to arrive at the Dike around 4 p.m. to catch this exciting show in time.

Tour de Towpath

On Sunday, Aug. 24, the Tour de Towpath runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The bike ride begins at Sawmill Cycles and continues along a route to the historic Zane Grey Museum on the scenic Lackawaxen River. This is an approximate 16 to 32 mile road ride. Cyclists can choose a self-guided ride or leave with the group at 10 a.m. Shuttle service is available from the museum or people can ride back. Shuttle service is $10. Bike rentals are available for $35. People can pre-register or sign up the day of the event beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Sawmill Cycles in Hawley. For more information or to register, call 570-352-3444.

"Ride for the Lake"

See beautiful views of the Big Lake from a motorcycle while supporting an important cause. The Motorcycle “Ride for the Lake” takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants are asked to meet at the Wallenpaupack Area High School for an expanded 41 mile motorcycle ride around the lake. The event benefits the non-profit Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District, which studies the lake and protects it from pollution. Maps and registration are available on the Wally Lake Fest website or by calling 570-226-3865. The rain date is Sunday.

These events fill up fast and pre-register is encouraged.

To make it possible for people to get the most out of their Wally Lake Fest experience, free shuttle buses will run on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. So park your car once and take free shuttles all day.

For more information, pick up a Wally Lake Fest brochure available at the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center and other area businesses. The brochure lists the complete schedule of events for the entire weekend. Additional details and daily updates are posted on www.wallylakefest.com, and Facebook, www.facebook.com/wallylakefest.